The "Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Extract," more commonly called "cotton seed extract," contains hydrating and softening compounds. Focus on this plant-derived active.

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- What is “Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Extract” and what is its function?
What is “Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Extract” and what is its function?
- Cotton, in brief
- What is cotton plant extract?
- What cosmetic properties does Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Extract exhibit?
- Which skincare products contain Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Extract?
- …
Cotton, in brief.
Cotton is the plant fibre that surrounds the seeds of the cotton plant, a shrub in the Malvaceae family. This fibre is made of cellulose and is spun into yarn to produce fabric. The cotton plant grows in arid tropical and subtropical regions. It can reach 10 metres in height under optimal sun exposure.
Several species and varieties of cotton exist:
The Gossypium arboreum and the Gossypium herbaceum, the most common short-fibre species used in skincare;
The Gossypium barbadense, a Peruvian variety introduced to Egypt and cultivated worldwide. It is valued for the length and quality of its fibres;
The Gossypium hirsutum which is native to South America.
In cosmetics, cotton is used in three main forms:vegetable oil (Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil), thecellular extract or native plant cells (Gossypium Arboreum Leaf Cell Extract), and the plant extract (Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Extract) discussed in this article.
What is cotton plant extract?
The seed extract of the cotton plant is obtained by macerating the seeds in water and glycerine followed by microwave extraction, a filtration, a pH adjustment with a potassium sorbate solution (potassium salt of sorbic acid) and finally a filtration.
With a dark yellow colour, cotton seed extract is rich in active compounds, mainly fatty acids and flavonoids. It contains glycosides, steroids, saponins, resins, carbohydrates, proteins, phenolic compounds, and tannins. This plant-derived ingredient is water soluble.
Suitable for all skin types, cotton plant extract is recognised for its softening, soothing, conditioning and regenerating properties.
What cosmetic properties does Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Extract exhibit?
Cottonseed extract is equally beneficial to the skin and hair.
It penetrates the epidermal tissue and delivers rapid action thanks to its high omega-6 content. It draws water into the epidermal tissue and strengthens the hydrolipidic barrier to prevent dehydration. The skin becomes softer, firmer and more radiant. By reinforcing the hydrolipidic film, it supports ceramide function. Ceramides are lipids secreted by the body to protect the epidermal tissue against toxins. Their function declines with age and sun exposure, requiring external supplementation.
By counteracting inflammation, cottonseed extract restructures the skin and scalp and soothes itching and irritation. It also regulates the production of sebum, inhibiting dandruff proliferation on the scalp. It acts as a hair conditioner, helping tame the hair.
Which skincare products contain Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Extract?
Thanks to its multiple properties, Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Extract is present in 0.12% of skin and hair care products. It appears in hydrating and cleansing products such as moisturiser, wipes, shower gels and shampoos. Its protective effect on the scalp means it is also found in certain hair care formulas like shampoos and scalp serums.
We have developed a scalp treatment that soothes with bisabolol and a cotton extract. It is formulated to hydrate and soothe scalp discomfort. In emulsion form, this treatment absorbs without leaving an oily film. It is applied to dry scalp and does not require rinsing. This serum is recommended for sensitive and irritated scalps. It is suitable for those prone to dry flakes.
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ARSHIYA S. et al.Gossypium herbaceumLinnaeus: an ethnopharmacological review.Journalof Pharmaceutical and Scientific Innovation(2012).
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